Thankful for your Canine Companion? Get a 2011 License Now

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager

2011 dog licenses are now available. This year’s tag, a red heart, will ensure that  beloved pets make it safely home if they ever wander away.

On each island, a share of the proceeds from licensing goes to the local Animal Protection Society for its operations. The remainder goes into a separate county fund which is used to pay the expenses of the licensing and animal control programs. Part of those funds is reserved to reimburse livestock owners for animals killed by dogs. After expenses and reserves, the balance is divided between the 3 animal protection societies for impound services.

License costs remain the same as last year:
Neutered males or females: $12
Natural male or females: $30
Replacement tags: $2
Late fee (after Mar. 31, 2011): $10
Photo in data base: $5

A new feature, since last year, of the animal licensing program is the ability for owners to include pictures of their pets. Pictures can be a big help to people who find missing dogs. Marsha Waunch of the Orcas Animal Protection Society has said: “It definitely expands the opportunity for owners who have gotten away from their dogs to be reunited with them.” Pictures are included for a $5 annual fee.

Another feature of the new dog license system is the ability for people to look up dog owners by dog tag. If someone finds a stray dog with a tag, he or she can go online to the County’s webpage: www.sanjuanco.com. From the home page, type “dog license” in the search field on the home page. One of the choices you will find is “Dog License Search.” Click on it.

The “Dog License Search” page will allow you to enter the dog’s San Juan County license number. No year is necessary. Click on “Search,” and you will be given the dog’s name, the owner’s phone numbers, and the dog’s veterinarian. If the dog has a picture on file, you will also see the dog’s picture. Call the dog’s owner, and you have a happy ending.

Licenses are available at a variety of locations on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez. Pick them up at the Animal Protection Society shelter, at Harbor Veterinary Clinic, or at the Auditor’s Office in the courthouse on San Juan Island.

On Orcas, licenses are available at Eastsound Kennels, at Pawki’s For Pets in Eastsound, or through Marsha Waunch for the Animal Protection Society.
Lopez dog owners can get their licenses at Sunset Builder Supply, Ark Veterinary Clinic, the Lopez liquor store, or through Joyce Myhr for the Lopez Animal Protection Society.